DMK has fielded crorepatis and may finish third, says Alagiri

Pitching to contest the highest number of Lok Sabha seats ever, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Monday re-nominated two of its controversial former Union Ministers, A. Raja and Dayanidhi Maran, for the coming election, while dropping its Madurai strongman and former Union Minister, M.K. Alagiri.

Despite the “image dent” faced by Mr. Raja in the “2G spectrum scam” and Mr. Maran in the “Aircel-Maxis deal,” the DMK has boldly fielded them again. They will re-contest the Nilgiris (Reserved) and Central Chennai seats, respectively.

The list sparked controversial remarks by Mr. Alagiri. “Going by the announced names, the DMK may be pushed to the third spot,” he told The Hindu. “The party has given ticket to those who are crorepatis. Those who have real contacts with the cadres in their respective constituencies have been ignored.”

Asked if he had plans to start a new party, he replied: “I have no plans to start a new party and if at all there is any such move, it would be made only after consulting my supporters.” As long as his grievances were not redressed, he had no intention of going back to the party.

Loyalists retained

Amid hectic political developments, the DMK’s list, released by its leader, M. Karunanidhi, for 35 constituencies, including the lone seat in Puducherry, retained several of its loyalists such as the former Union Minister, T.R. Baalu, but axed several of its sitting MPs.

Only eight of the party’s 18 MPs in the outgoing Lok Sabha have been chosen to run for the polls again.

While the non-consideration of Mr. Alagiri, recently suspended from the DMK for anti-party activities stemming from sibling rivalry with M.K. Stalin, was expected — in fact, Alagiri did not apply for ticket — one surprise omission has been that of S.S. Palanimanickam, former Union Minister of State for Finance, who is close to Mr. Stalin.

Another former Union Minister, D. Napoleon, an Alagiri loyalist who represented Perambalur, also did not figure on the list. There are 27 new faces, including two women.

“I will not say that the list is complete. There may be some changes and the same will be incorporated on the list if required,” Mr. Karunanidhi told the media at Anna Arivalayam, party headquarters, after releasing the list.

Mr. Baalu shifting turf from Sriperumbudur to Thanjavur, a stronghold of Mr. Palanimanickam from where he won five times, triggered protests by his supporters there.

CPI not to join DMK front

Meanwhile, expectations that the Communist Party of India will clinch a seat-sharing pact with the DMK, after the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam broke ties with the Left parties, turned a non-starter. Senior CPI leaders, discussing the issue here, decided to abide by the Communist Party of India (Marxist)’s decision to fight together on a Left platform to defeat the communal forces. Mr. Karunanidhi parried a query on whether the Congress could rejoin the DMK-led front.

(With inputs from Sruthisagar Yamunan in Chennai and L. Srikrishna in Madurai)

DMK's candidate list

Will DMK buck the national mood by re-nominating scam-tainted candidates?

The fact that Indian political parties do not deny criminal elements a ticket to contest elections was studied by Gupta & Dutta, cf their paper <How Indian Voters Respond to Candidates with Criminal Charges: Evidence from the 2009 Lok Sabha Elections>, available at: bit.ly/1cU7Saq

I quote from the summary:
< ..results suggest that voters do punish candidates who have criminal charges against them. However, these tainted candidates are able to overcome this electoral disadvantage because they have greater wealth, and wealth plays a significant role in increasing vote shares. The most plausible channel through which wealth affects vote shares is of course through campaign expenditures..>

Another insight from that study:
<... successful candidates (particularly those belonging to parties in the government) can with high probability either use coercion or influence to ensure that the local administration does not pursue the case(s) against them with any vigour..>

from:
V.Suresh

Posted on: Mar 13, 2014 at 13:34 IST

Mr C Bala

You juxtapose the Raja case against the Jayalalitha case and allege that there is a <..attitude of selective blaming and letting off people belonging to the upper caste..>

I find your logic specious and it is easily debunked. I can counter that statuesque Dalit leaders - pun intended - like Mayawati who also have dis-proportionate assets have been let off the hook.

People who get sentenced in India are almost always from the weaker sections of society. Corrupt politicians like Yedyurappa, the Yadav dynasty of UP, the Pawars of Maharashtra etc. are least bothered by the law.

In the final analysis, it is primarily economic and/or electoral clout and not caste that determines whether you escape the long arm of the law.

In the meantime, since you seem to suggest that Mr Raja is innocent, you could vote to give him another attractive ministerial post such that he can ensure that investigations against him are dropped. And he gets another bonus to boot !

from:
V.Suresh

Posted on: Mar 13, 2014 at 13:32 IST

Parents wanted us to best in studies and choose careers which brings better income. And everyone is busy running to make more money but pay little attention who they elect. This official whose efficiency matters deciding the price we pay for my broomstick, food I put on the plate to return on my savings

from:
Marudah

Posted on: Mar 13, 2014 at 05:00 IST

Mr Jayaram VS

I so fully agree with your statement <..the responsibility of electing or rejecting those with shady past and sullied image, entirely lies on the voters..> Sadly, voters dont seem to care who they vote to power. I cite from the report <<Analysis of Pending Criminal Cases of Lok Sabha MPs from 2009 >> produced by the Association for Democratic Reform and available at: adrindia.org
<24 Lok Sabha MPs were re-elected winners and had criminal cases in 2009. They also had criminal cases during Lok Sabha, 2004 which they won. This shows that political parties continue to give tickets to candidates despite the fact that they have criminal cases pending against them>

Modi had no qualms about embracing Yedyurappa & Maya Kodnani; the Congress allies itself with the Lalu Prasad Yadav dynasty in Bihar and the Yadav dynasty in UP. And to keep up with the Yadavs, Karunanidhi crowns a Raja !

Sadly, voters may re-elect criminals, often because they have the wealth to win elections.

from:
V.Suresh

Posted on: Mar 12, 2014 at 14:41 IST

Mr.V.Suresh

What you have stated is a rehash of what has appeared for countless hours in the news channels. If Mr.A Raja should not contest as he is an accused in the 2G scam, the same rule should apply for the person accused in the disproportionate assets case. Mr. A Raja has stated that he will prove his innocence in the court of law. The case is based on the premise of the CAG's illogical notional loss theory which does not take into account the Government's policy of improving teledensity. And why cant we wait for the judgement instead of playing the judge and jury? This attitude of selective blaming and letting off people belonging to the upper caste raises serious questions. Dara Singh and Afzal Guru is a case in point.
The argument put forth by you reminds me of Markandeya Katju's observations that 90% of Indians are idiots who vote on the basis of caste and religion!

from:
C Bala

Posted on: Mar 12, 2014 at 13:58 IST

"It is certain that the Conscience of the people of Nilgiri constituency is dead and they all lost their mind' as if Raja is given a considerable percentage vote share this time. It will mark the dead of Tamil Nadu people's Conscience and proves Karunanidhi is the only intelligent person in Tamil Nadu if he wins this time.

from:
Navaladi

Posted on: Mar 11, 2014 at 22:49 IST

What a shameful party DMK is from the evidence shown above in this article. You are rewarded based on the amount of money you have swindled. Raja would have been made Prime ministerial candidate had he put up 'INDIA FOR SALE' while he was so called Union Minister. They used actor Vadivelu as their scapegoat and verbally abused Vijaykanth last assembly elections. Now Vadivelu has lost his market and is unseen in cinema but DMK is begging to make an alliance with DMDK vijaykanth's party now. What a load of crap. They are indirectly keeping on showing to the world that people in Tamilnadu are the most foolish of all. DMK are clearly digging their own mass grave and it would be mere shame even if they win one lok sabha seat. People in tamilnadu and in India have got no choice but to keep electing these monsters and rob us again and again.

from:
ananth

Posted on: Mar 11, 2014 at 14:34 IST

Happy to note that Dayanidhi Maran who as Union Telecom Minister set up a mini telephone exchange in his house and laid Cables to connect with SUN TV office and looted the Government money is being rewarded with a Lok Sabha Ticket.Next time we should not be surprised if they dig a tunnel under Reserve Bank of India and connect the vault to their Boat Club residence.

from:
RAMESH

Posted on: Mar 11, 2014 at 14:31 IST

Mr Vendhan

You justify the nomination of one of the most thoroughly, shamelessly corrupt persons in Indian politics merely because he is a Dalit and you feel that there are different standards for Brahmins such as Jayalalitha. Your condoning of theft of this magnitude merely because the perpetrator is a Dalit boggles the mind.

This man has defrauded the exchequer and conned citizens like you to such an extent that his feats even won mention in the New York Times (nyti.ms/NTghFh). The Times described it as <..the biggest political corruption scandal in Indian history..His decisions may have cost the Indian treasury as much as $40 billion..>

I am at a loss to understand how voters like you think. Clearly with the support of voters like you, and abetted by experience in theft from his previous stint, Mr Raja can get a second chance of looting and pillaging India.

Disgusting !

from:
V.Suresh

Posted on: Mar 11, 2014 at 13:53 IST

If the DMK does not give ticket to A Raja, it would only amount betrayal of trust, for the party has benefited in terms of money during the regime of A Raja through 2G. So, it is but natural that Karunanidhi has given him ticket remembering Raja's services to the party. Despite the talk of eliminating corruption, political parties continue to provide tickets to tainted leaders elections after election.But the responsibility of electing or rejecting those with shady past and sullied image, entirely lies on the voters.

from:
JAYARAMAN V S

Posted on: Mar 11, 2014 at 11:24 IST

We all talk about corruption on face(less)book only and not in real life. All the time every citizen is jumping the signal (pedestrian, cyclist, motorcycle, car and all heavy vehicles) and what is the point in talking about 2G, Spectrum urban and so called educated. Education and knowledge should be applied for the upliftment of society and not to own BMW or like cars. I not justifying anything here, neither Raja nor other politicians. Any number legislation cannot bring success unless followed by public. Why we need a court order to put ban on the candidates and why not straight away reject in ballot. When voters can be lured by some means why to blame the politicians. We all suppose to act on our own and as per conscious or whatever. It is become a fashion to comment or politicians and I remember the saying "what you deserve will you get". May be the corrupt public get corrupt politicians. Enough for the day and GOOD LUCK to all.

from:
V. Veethividangan

Posted on: Mar 11, 2014 at 10:44 IST

This is the credible action UPA Govt. took against national looters. One can guess with this piece of information how strong the ordinance "against corruption" would have been like (which incidentally and dramatically Rahul baba was pushing for). Sme old story, Ministers and Businessmen walk away scot-free, while some poor bureaucrats are made scape-goats. And in-between people like Kejriwal made a political career out of it by fooling people with their show of solidarity against corruption. Reflects very poorly on us (and our choice of candidates) as Citizens of the country.

from:
Rahul

Posted on: Mar 11, 2014 at 10:16 IST

Hail DMK for their attempt to decriminalize politics, I support DMK, may the most corrupt win.

from:
Dhawal

Posted on: Mar 11, 2014 at 09:10 IST

What a shame!!! Black Sunday for Indian Politics and its people.Ethical values are axed.please bring back old British raj .... oh god!!! save our country...

from:
Abimon

Posted on: Mar 11, 2014 at 08:39 IST

Seriously !!! . If this is state of Tamil Nadu Politics ... God help Our Tamil people . By Nominating Raja DMK has blatantly accepted that they are "OK" for having politicians who have corruption or corruption charges against them.
This will also set a bad example for other politicians to go ahead and indulge in corruption .. as DMK is setting an example that everything is "OK".

from:
Ratnakumar

Posted on: Mar 11, 2014 at 08:37 IST

DMK is truly the party with a difference.It seeks to break the existing paradigm of Corruption free Governance and give us Governance free Corruption.

from:
Subramanya Sivam

Posted on: Mar 11, 2014 at 08:35 IST

Raja - standing for election like other corrupt leaders. Oh God, we look up to you to save India.

from:
Shibu Varghese

Posted on: Mar 11, 2014 at 08:25 IST

Politics is still dreadful. Look at our choices in Tamil Nadu - AIADMK cM is doing everything possible to delay her case going on in Karnataka. DMK choosing their top two corrupt for MP elections. BJP joining hands with the corrupt in Karnataka and elsewhere.AAP showing political immaturity by missing out a golden chance in Delhi and by joining hands with the notorious anti nuclear activist. And Congress is full of corrupt. 49 O, none of the above option is not going to take us anywhere.Was pinning hopes on Anna Hazare movement for a great political change in all parties.So disappointed now.

from:
N.Ramesh

Posted on: Mar 11, 2014 at 05:51 IST

sandeep, when talking of dynasty, why do you guys always miss out on the dynasties in BJP as well as its dynastic alliance partners like akali dal, shiv sena, MNS , ram vilas paswan's dynasty etc? eye problem?

from:
sharath

Posted on: Mar 11, 2014 at 05:27 IST

The pride is shining well in smiley photos

from:
Marudah

Posted on: Mar 11, 2014 at 04:48 IST

"Bless you my son. 4G is waiting for you. Please try to overtake Watergate scandal this time and top Time magazine's Abuses of Power list. Good luck"

from:
Sendhil Vignarajan

Posted on: Mar 11, 2014 at 04:18 IST

Who are the AAP and Congress candidates fielded against Raja and Dayanidhi Maran? What is AAP's and Rahul Gandhi's take on this move by the DMK. If AAP is not the B team of Congress, as widely perceived , both these parties should field equally strong candidates and make corruption as the sole electoral issue in these constituencies. Will they do so or won't they ?

from:
Shekar

Posted on: Mar 11, 2014 at 04:16 IST

@Guru

Do not try to talk rubbish and mis-direct people. Modi is never projected to be clean or non-corrupt because he won the elections repeatedly but because the courts of this country has time and again said he is clean.

Elections and wins show people's acceptability of the person but does not absolve anybody.

Just do not dish out your personal thoughts as BJP's claims.

from:
Vijay

Posted on: Mar 11, 2014 at 03:29 IST

The whole electoral process would prove to be farce,and ritual if political field tainted MPs and MLAs again to safeguard their interests. It is convenient for the Party to talk about secularism in a loose manner, as though Corruption is not an issue at all. The vibrancy and fabric of Indian Democracy could be strengthened if stringed measures were taken to keep off the corrupt and criminal elements. How shameless and audacious insult on the people when DMK fields the most corrupt fellows as candidates. It would talk about tall issues and cancerous issues. The people are not so bad that they would teach a good lesson to the party. Another PM aspirant tries her level best to subvert the process of justice by dragging the court cases for more than two decades. It is high time that the Supreme Court intervened in the process of cleansing the politics. Take the case of Mr. Lalu. Jailed, and bailed and the whole family in the field for Lok Sabha

from:
Louis S. Venugopal

Posted on: Mar 11, 2014 at 03:22 IST

The difference between our country and mature democracies is not that politicians are corrupt. but corrupt politicians are punished in the next election. In India it doesn't happen, unless that changes what is the need to modify one's corrupt practices?

from:
Chander

Posted on: Mar 11, 2014 at 00:53 IST

The act of re nominating Maran and Raja is not so much audacious as it is shameless of the party and its lsupremo.

from:
MMK Rao

Posted on: Mar 11, 2014 at 00:17 IST

DMK chief talks about secularism all the time and yet I do not see any candidate from christian community despite 7%-10% vote share in Tamil Nadu. Hindus vote for Ram mandhir and muslims for quota. Not sure what Christians stand for.

from:
tony

Posted on: Mar 10, 2014 at 22:34 IST

The point is that the speculative figure of 1.76 lakh crores mentioned by CAG is not even arrived at by any scientific means(This has been mentioned specifically in the report). This has been the fact which has been covered stealthily and used for false propaganda against the former minister and the party.Also the report says that spectrum sale incurred a loss (imaginary loss) not that 1.76 lakh crores was paid as bribe to the minister and the govt.The case is still in the court;passing judgements from media trials cannot be considered as a basis for choosing the candidate.Let them first prove in court that he is guilty,then questions can be piled up against him and his party.

from:
Baba

Posted on: Mar 10, 2014 at 21:43 IST

Who you are kidding? You think there is still justice left out in this world? Justice is a fantasy and illusion created to keep the working class motivated. Money and power can do anything.

from:
Saravana Kumar

Posted on: Mar 10, 2014 at 21:41 IST

The worst is going to start for DMK, the sinking ship. By nominating all corrupted people like Raja, TR balu and dayanidhi, DMK is sure of its fate.

from:
shiva karthik

Posted on: Mar 10, 2014 at 20:56 IST

Raja falling at the feet of Karunanidhi. So much for self respect movement.

from:
Aadipiran

Posted on: Mar 10, 2014 at 20:43 IST

If Raja wins the election, does it mean that people have forgiven him, or worse, that he didn't commit any crime. Just like BJP claims with Gujarat wins?

from:
Guru

Posted on: Mar 10, 2014 at 18:56 IST

Raja may still win the elections. The reason is the Nilgris is not an urbane area where the local population would discuss about Spectrum and 2G.

from:
Rajesh

Posted on: Mar 10, 2014 at 18:45 IST

Blessing for another spectrum!?

from:
sugumar

Posted on: Mar 10, 2014 at 18:21 IST

This shows the real situation of Indian politics and we still vote for these bunch of rotten apples. Guys, its our money

from:
Premkumar

Posted on: Mar 10, 2014 at 18:17 IST

A.Raja, Dhayanidhi Maran, TR.Balu, Jegathratchagan... Wow! what a line-up of honest candidates. Even in this troubled times, DMK has taken the pains to reward the "honest" politcians. Way to go DMK! Long live democracy.

from:
Ramesh

Posted on: Mar 10, 2014 at 17:40 IST

Hopeless country with shameless politicians... I hope the NOTA button works..

from:
shuhood

Posted on: Mar 10, 2014 at 17:00 IST

What a Shame ! The corrupt being rewarded for once more chance to swindle the nation. Way to go Mr. Karunanidhi !!!

When will you stop swindling the poor people of this nation??

from:
Suresh

Posted on: Mar 10, 2014 at 16:53 IST

Why repack and sell rotten apples?

from:
Major Manohar AM.

Posted on: Mar 10, 2014 at 16:34 IST

If 'charges are weak', in order to obtain a loan of Rs. 200 crore, was the 'State of Tamil Nadu' pledged ?

from:
Sam

Posted on: Mar 10, 2014 at 16:13 IST

Die'nasty' politics would hit a dead end. If all the political scammers are ranked according to their evil and public gross negligence index, Mr Raja &Co will stand 2nd after the Gandhi family. Why on earth people vote for these kind of evil spirits, this is an enigma of a life time. God save My country.

from:
sandeep

Posted on: Mar 10, 2014 at 16:03 IST

A picture is worth thousand words. When I see the above picture, I see 1) Sycophancy. 2) Reward corrupt, encourage corruption. Make it more rampant.
3) Take pride in playing caste politics to the hilt

Would have been happy if I had other options. But I don't see an alternate to elect. I can imagine similar pictures from other parties too.

from:
Ganesh

Posted on: Mar 10, 2014 at 15:59 IST

I do agree with M. karthi ....DMK has given seat to Mr.RAJA...one among the most corrupted person of DMK...If he wins the election.. i will really pity for the ignorence of the voters.........

from:
jithendran

Posted on: Mar 10, 2014 at 15:54 IST

When accused Jayalalitha can be Chief Minister. Why not others. Media and Bhramins have different yard stick for Brahamin and DMK.

from:
vendhan

Posted on: Mar 10, 2014 at 15:52 IST

There is still time, the DMK and Congress party should come together and fight this election jointly. There is total chance of winning all the 39 seats and the lone seat in Puduchery if Congress has an alliance with the DMK. In the larger interests, the DMK and the Congress should bury their differences and announce an alliance pact immediately. I request Mr Stalin to consider the alliance as it is a win win combination. I hope better sense prevails. There is solid support vote bank for the DMK and Congress party in Tamil Nadu, that assure them 100% victory. Moreover, recent poll concluded in Tamil Nadu shows that the most preferred Prime Ministerial candidate is not Narendra Modi or Jayalalithaa but Rahul Gandhi.

from:
K.J.Haroon Basha

Posted on: Mar 10, 2014 at 15:29 IST

From this we can understand as always DMK would like to give the seats for accused ministers to encourage their performance to corrupt entire country. Think before cast your vote.

from:
karthi

Posted on: Mar 10, 2014 at 15:02 IST

what do you meant by first list - for all 35 that DMK content has been released, are you expecting in the 2nd, 3rd list to contest beyond 35 seats? weird article title and posting..